Improving books: DIY art therapy – in pictures

Improving books: DIY art therapy – in pictures

Johan Deckmann’s Art Therapy series combines his two professions: artist and psychotherapist. Using books found in antique shops as a canvas, he transforms the covers into satirical self-help titles, imagining a new narrative for them based on his observations of human behaviour (but never on his patients). “Art is a good platform for psychological interaction or awareness,” he says. “As I see it, I make only one half of the work – the other half is done in your head.” Deckmann adds: “Humour is a pretty convenient companion, given humankind’s condition. I think gratitude, appreciation of being here and a portion of self-irony are the main keys to a happy life.”